Gum Disease Screening

Gum Disease ScreeningThe earlier gum loss is identified, the easier it is to treat.

Gum Disease Screening

Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is bacterial infection in the mouth and is a condition that causes more adults to lose their teeth than any other dental related condition. It begins as gingivitis and gradually expands into the bone around the tooth, causing bone loss, tooth mobility, and ultimately bone loss. While it only seems like a small concern in the beginning, the condition can destroy everything that you’ve ever worked for in your smile. It is treated in many ways, including manually removing debris and biofilm, irrigating pockets, laser therapy, and often antibiotics.

Identifying the Earliest Stages of Disease

Dr. Timmerman and his team conduct gum disease screenings during each of our preventive care visits when you visit us twice each year. This screening is called a periodontal exam, and involves gathering data that documents the levels of attached gum tissue around each tooth. The earlier gum loss is identified, the easier it is to treat. Once bone destruction and gum detachment have occurred, it becomes more involved to treat it.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Some of the symptoms of gum disease are things that you might already be experiencing every day. These aren’t normal, and are actually your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong.

Gums that bleed when you brush or floss

Swelling along the gumlines

Red, blue, or purple gums

Visible tartar buildup along the teeth

Bad breath

Teeth that are loose or mobile

Pain when chewing or placing pressure on the teeth

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we ask you to contact our Seattle dental office today to find out about our non-surgical periodontal therapy treatments.

“Did you know that active infection inside of your mouth can also make it difficult to recover from other types of health conditions? This is due to the bacteria entering through the infected gums where bleeding is occurring, allowing it to travel throughout your body. Not only can it lodge in areas like your heart or blood vessels, it also places a strain on your immune system.”

—Dr. Lance Timmerman

“I have been coming to this office for approximately 7 years. I have a smile that people compliment on a daily basis. It would not have happened without Dr. Timmerman and his wonderful team. I take much better care of my dental health because of him.”

— Rena C. 5 Star Review

Periodontal Disease can Impact Your Health

Many people who have active gum disease find themselves with an increased risk of:

Unmanaged diabetes

Obesity

Cardiovascular diseases (including stroke and heart attack)

Erectile dysfunction

Premature labor and low birth weight infants

What Happens if I Have Periodontal Disease?

Patients with active periodontal disease require extra care to help gain control over their condition. We offer gum disease laser therapy as well as comprehensive periodontal services right here in our Seattle dental office.

To prevent problems like gum disease from occurring, we encourage patients to visit us at least twice a year for routine cleanings and check-ups.

We’ll help you identify areas where gum disease may be developing so that you can reverse it when it’s still possible.